Dog welfare charity Dogs Trust has received a record donation of £200,000 from bookings through travel affiliate Welcome Cottages.

The partnership has been ongoing between the two companies for seven years, with both parties committing to a targeted direct marketing campaign aimed at Dogs Trust supporters, including bespoke co-brands brochures, direct mail and online activity.

Free stays are being offered for pets, with 10 per cent of each cottage rental booked through Welcome Cottages white label website, being donated to the charity.

The brochures were created by Manchester creative consultancy Red C.

Bookings have increased year-on-year with 2010 already up by 26 per cent on last year.

Clarissa Baldwin OBE, chief executive of the Dogs Trustm, said: “Since setting the partnership up in 2003, Welcome Cottages has always been a perfect fit, offering Dogs Trust supporters the opportunity to book a pet friendly holiday whilst donating to the charity. The valuable funds raised will be used to care for the 16,000 abandoned dogs we care for every year”

The Drum has also learned that that another high-profile charity has now approached the Hoseasons Group to potentially affiliate with one of the holiday rental brands, after witnessing the success of this campaign.

Kathryn Preston, key account manager at Welcome Cottages said: “We’re delighted to be able to reach this milestone, especially ahead of forecasted results for the year. We credit our success to the great partnership we have with the team at Dogs Trust, working closely to ensure our creative and messaging complements the existing collateral and appeals to the charity’s loyal database of 700,000 supporters.

“Dogs Trust is a fantastic charity and one which really highlights the impact a well matched affiliation can have. We currently work with more than 500 partners across a diverse range of sectors and are always looking for new and exciting opportunities.”